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Travelers endure a series of hairpin turns before the Kancamagus Pass, the highest point of elevation along the byway at 2, feet. The Kancamagus Highway does not lack its share of scenic views. Tremont, and the Pemigewasset Wilderness. The Kanc is full of a variety of wildlife and it is not uncommon for travelers to spot some kind of furry critter while traversing the highway. Hawks, moose, falcons, eagles, deer, bear, racoons, porcupines, and skunks are just some of the possible sightings.
Using caution while driving this area is always advised. In Fall, the foliage along the Kancamagus Highway is simply spectacular. Travelers are able to see first-hand the multi-colored mountainsides, the variety of trees that undergo this transformation, and the rugged terrain. The White Mountains Trail. Audio Driving Tour. Peak foliage is as crowded as the White Mountains gets, especially over Columbus Day weekend, and accommodation can be expensive at this time.
We at New Hampshire Way are big fans of the White Mountains in mid-to-late September, with clear skies, empty roads, and early hints of color. Driving the Kanc is all about the stops you make. Here we have lush waterfalls, swimming holes, hikes for all levels, and even some historic sites to visit.
On this guide, we will list the stops from west to east, but you can drive the Kanc in either direction. Most of these stops have modest parking areas; for popular stops, like Sabbaday Falls, people tend to park on the side of the road, leaving enough room for cars to pass by.
Several also have picnic areas, and those have been noted below. Here the Hancock branch of the Pemigewasset River rushes over rocks, creating shallow pools. Swimming is allowed here, but the water rushes quickly and the rocks can be slippery. The Lincoln Woods trail used to be a railroad bed, which makes it a nice, flat hiking option perfect for hiking with young kids or cross-country skiing in the winter.
Curving along the east branch of the Pemigewasset River, the full trail is 9. We think the Lincoln Woods Trail makes a great place to bring a picnic and enjoy nature. It can get pretty muddy here, too.
And if you want to continue on the trail, you can reach Franconia Falls, one of the best waterfalls in the area. Franconia Falls has lots of rocky areas to spread out and relax. The actual falls are a narrow waterfall feeding into a pool — and yes, you can swim here!
Head upstream from the falls for a large, calm swimming hole. Hancock Overlook is located in one of the most interesting parts of the Kanc — in the middle of a hairpin turn. That said, the views here are nice, but nothing really special. There are several scenic overlooks in this part of the Kancamagus scenic byway, and a few of the others are better. Just past Hancock Overlook is the second overlook — Panoramic Overlook. This one has a nice wooden fence that adds to the photos.
And quite a lovely one! We did note that there was a lot more color here during early foliage. And yet another overlook, the Sugar Hill Scenic Vista named after one of our favorite small towns in the White Mountains. Look at all those glorious colors! Sabbaday Falls is the most popular hike on the Kancamagus Highway — and for good reason. This makes it an easy option for people with young kids or who are up for a short, easy walk through the woods.
Sabbaday Falls is a cascading, multi-level waterfall in a narrow flume. It empties into a placid green pool, but know that swimming is not allowed here. Platforms give you easy access to seeing the falls from multiple angles. There are picnic tables and restrooms near the parking lot, making this a good place to stop for lunch. Today the house is filled with historic artifacts. Thomas told Ruth he was going out for an errand.
He never came back. For 39 years, Eliza lit a lantern in the house each night, awaiting his return, until her death. Can you believe it?! On the premises is an open-air barn, built in and filled with art and history displays.
Another lovely waterfall hike is Champney Falls. If you enjoyed Sabbaday Falls but are up for more of a challenge, consider hiking to Champney Falls. The Champney Falls trail is 3. Keep in mind that Champney Falls can be quite meager during dry times of year. This area along the Swift River is filled with wide, flat stacks of rocks leading to a flush waterfall.
A bridge across the river takes you to viewpoints that are excellent for photographing the falls. Swimming is not permitted in Rocky Gorge. Trust us: we know the water looks inviting, but this is for your safety.
The rocks here are incredibly slippery. Rocky Gorge has restrooms and picnic tables set up, making it a good place to stop for a picnic along the way.
Most of the pools are gentle and kid-friendly, but keep in mind that times of high water can be more dangerous. While New Hampshire is home to many covered bridges, this one is both historic and functional. Driving the Kancamagus Highway from end to end takes around 45 minutes, but if you hit up most of the stops, we think half a day, or three hours minimum, is a good amount of time. For most travelers, we recommend stopping at each of the major stops listed above, including the short hike to Sabbaday Falls, but excluding the longer hikes along the Lincoln Woods Trail, Franconia Falls Trail, Champney Falls Trail, or Mount Chocorua.
Kancamagus highway.The Kancamagus Highway
Simply driving the length of the Kancamagus Scenic Highway from Conway to Lincoln (or the reverse) could be the best part of your visit. This nationally honored. Of all the New England fall foliage drives, none is more well known (or mispronounced) than the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. The Kancamagus Highway is a mile scenic drive along NH’s Rt. in Northern New Hampshire that is well known as one of the best Fall Foliage viewing.
– Kancamagus highway
The Kancamagus Highway is a portion of NH Route spanning east to west from Lincoln to Conway. The mile drive is a recognized National Scenic Byway. The Kancamagus Highway may be legendary, but it is a relatively new road as New England scenic byways go. Some old logging and town roads edged.